ALTMAN FILLS SHOES TWO-WAY PLAYER EXCELS ON FIELD.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

AGOURA HILLS - Brad Altman's challenge? Replace the man with two pages dedicated to him in Agoura High's football program.

Justin Richter left some plus-size cleats to fill when a marvelous Chargers career ended in 1999. His biggest role was as a ferocious safety, but Richter doubled as Agoura's starting tailback. His graduation created a gaping hole in the offense. Altman was a possible answer but a sketchy one, considering he played wide receiver the last two years.

Altman and Richter are close friends who were the Chargers' safeties. While Altman focused primarily on defense, Richter stayed in games for almost every snap.

``I never could imagine myself playing tailback and safety in the same game. It's so hard. (Agoura coach Charlie Wegher) told me I might be doing it this year,'' Altman said.

``I knew it would be some big shoes to fill. Because (Richter) was one of the greatest players to come through Agoura.''

Altman is having a Richter kind of season for the 6-3 Chargers, in contention for a playoff berth entering Friday's regular-season finale at No. 1 Westlake. He's among the region's rushing leaders with 1,075 yards, 11 rushing scores and two receiving touchdowns. Altman averages 6.7 yards in 160 attempts.

``I'm just glad I've done an all-right job,'' he said humbly.

Altman remains a fixture in the Chargers' defensive backfield. Like Richter, he returns punts and kickoffs. And like Richter, Altman rarely roams the sidelines.

He admits to occasionally asking for a defensive series off to catch his breath. But senior quarterback Chris Denove tells a different story.

``You know what, I think in my lifetime I've heard him say that once or twice,'' Denove said. ``Never on an offensive or defensive series I've heard it. Maybe on a kick return or something.''

Altman's running and Denove's passing (1,776 yards) gives Agoura one of the region's most balanced and prolific offenses. Wegher knew he had to find a running back to step in for Richter.

Altman's only previous experience was in freshman football. But he had 4.5-second speed, effective pass-catching skills and enough durability to carry the ball 25 times a game.

``I think what he gives us is just somebody that with his body is going to lean into tacklers,'' Wegher said. ``He's going to get something out of every carry. Very seldom does he get nailed for a loss.''

Altman was ``tentative'' about playing tailback, specifically reading holes. He studied game films of Richter's running style and critiqued Agoura's other backs in preseason practice.

``I was a little angry because I wasn't sure how good I could do,'' Altman said.

While Richter was bigger and more physical, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Altman figured he could succeed with quickness. A 3.83 student, Altman caught on fast to the new gig.

Richter was a folk hero on the Agoura campus for his vicious hits. After recording more than 300 tackles the past two seasons, Richter's football career moved on to Pennsylvania. Altman also wants to attend and play football for an Ivy League school. Perhaps he can go to Penn and reunite with Richter.

``I've talked to his parents and they've said to go up there and make a visit,'' Altman said. ``That would be great to play with Justin again. . . . If I had my choice and everything worked out, I'd love that.''

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Photo: Agoura's Brad Altman wasn't sure he could play both offense and defense. He has proven himself wrong.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer